Vascular Access, When You Need It Most

When time is of the essence, EMS providers need to know they have the right equipment to get the job done reliably every time.

New Orleans EMS found just what it needed in 2005, when it began a pilot project using the EZ-IO Intraosseous Vascular Access System from Vidacare. Carl Flores, deputy director/chief of EMS, says the value of the EZ-IO System was quickly recognized while rendering emergent care to trauma and cardiac arrest patients.

“Initially we had some concerns that our team would resist the application of the drill as previously IO needles were only used in pediatric patients,” Flores explains. “Through hands-on training, our education division was able to ensure each New Orleans EMS paramedic was able to get focused assistance.”

The EZ-IO System provides immediate vascular access to central circulation within seconds, delivering medications, intravenous fluids and blood products to adult and pediatric patients alike. With a specially designed cutting IO needle and small power driver, the EZ-IO System allows the clinician complete control—avoiding the use of force. The EZ-IO System provides rapid, smooth entry into the bone’s medullary cavity, creating an immediate conduit to the central circulation.

“Once our team began to use the EZ-IO System in the field, confidence grew in the application of the device and usage increased,” says Flores. “As the device has evolved, so have our protocols in an effort to provide the best possible care by providing insertion options for our team. Today, one of the standards in our pit crew cardiac arrest approach is to insert the EZ-IO needle in the proximal humerus, allowing for quick access to central circulation. This science of the EZ-IO needle in the proximal humerus coupled with the confidence in our team’s ability to place the needle has led to progressions in our care.”

And, Flores adds, IO placement allows for quick central circulation access when IV access is difficult to obtain, time is critical or when central venous access is impractical. Additionally, prehospital use of IO access has led to emergency department, ICU and code cart adoption of the EZ-IO System locally.

Vidacare is now part of Teleflex. Visit www.teleflex.com/ems.